Metro areas in Virginia: income, rent and home values
Virginia has 11 metropolitan areas with annual Census data, led by Washington, DC with 6.5 million residents. Household incomes are highest in Washington, DC ($131,346). Renters spend the smallest share of income in Kingsport, TN (26.0%) and the largest in Harrisonburg, VA (34.2%). The fastest-growing metro since 2021 is Blacksburg, VA (+9.2%).
| Metro area | Population | Median income | Median rent | Home value | Rent / income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | 6,465,900 | $131,346 | $2,168 | $612,500 | 29.4% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | 1,795,250 | $87,126 | $1,643 | $374,200 | 32.5% |
| Richmond, VA | 1,388,129 | $92,800 | $1,643 | $399,000 | 32.6% |
| Roanoke, VA | 315,312 | $75,277 | $1,163 | $302,200 | 30.0% |
| Kingsport, TN | 315,152 | $62,121 | $862 | $244,600 | 26.0% |
| Lynchburg, VA | 270,338 | $69,224 | $1,089 | $282,600 | 28.5% |
| Charlottesville, VA | 230,332 | $101,038 | $1,754 | $487,300 | 33.6% |
| Blacksburg, VA | 183,816 | $66,710 | $1,201 | $298,200 | 31.7% |
| Winchester, VA | 152,332 | $83,469 | $1,492 | $401,900 | 27.7% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | 140,155 | $70,636 | $1,182 | $348,500 | 34.2% |
| Staunton, VA | 129,692 | $78,838 | $1,311 | $327,700 | 27.0% |
Includes 4 metro areas that cross into neighboring states.
Compare Washington with another metro ↗ See national rankings ↗
Virginia at a glance
What is the most affordable metro area in Virginia for renters?+
Kingsport, TN, where renters spend a median 26.0% of household income on rent (2025 Census data).
Which metro area in Virginia has the highest income?+
Washington, DC, with a median household income of $131,346 in 2025.
How many metro areas are in Virginia?+
11 metropolitan statistical areas in Virginia have annual Census estimates (population 65,000+).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 1-year estimates (released September 2026), with 2024 and 2021 for trends. Figures are survey estimates with margins of error; small differences between metros may not be meaningful. Metro areas use the official Metropolitan Statistical Area boundaries. Compiled and analyzed by Metro Research. Methodology.